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Curriculum

Pharmacy technician handling medications in protective gear
20%

time spent in labs

30%

time spent in online coursework

50%

times spent in experiential rotations

Student experiences

Classroom learning

Through the coursework, you will gain the knowledge and skills for professional practice in a pharmacy.

From videos to interactive course modules and activities, all classroom curriculum content is uniquely available as online learning. Some lectures originate from the Minnesota campus and are made available to students at the other locations using interactive video-enabled virtual classrooms during the simulation sessions.

By using the most advanced educational technology available, program content is accessible and easy-to-use.

As coursework for the first 12 weeks is primarily online, students must have access to a computer with internet access. Laptops are not provided by Mayo Clinic.

Simulated lab coursework

Paired with online learning, students will put their newly acquired knowledge to practice and participate in live virtual simulation coursework on Thursdays during the first 12 weeks of the program. During weeks 13-14, additional simulation coursework will be completed in a pharmacy simulation lab located in one of the following locations:

  • Rochester, Minnesota*
  • Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Jacksonville, Florida

*Students located on the Mankato, Minnesota campus, La Crosse, Wisconsin campus, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin campus complete their simulation lab coursework at our campus in downtown Rochester, Minnesota.

Hands-on clinical rotations

The last six weeks of this program are presented as experiential rotations where students display skills in two rotations at different Mayo Clinic pharmacy locations. These rotations encompass a wide range of pharmacy practices and specialties and take place on the student’s home campus.

Sample schedules

A schedule of activities will be provided by the first week of the program.

Hours

The simulation/classroom portion of the program includes eight hours per day, one day a week for the first 12 weeks of the program. The experiential rotations/clinical schedule can vary between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and include 40 hours of education and training a week.

Facilities and faculty

Learn more about the facilities and faculty for the Pharmacy Technician Program.

Outside work

During the final eight weeks of the program, outside work isn't recommended. However, students may be employed if it doesn't interfere with the training program.

Grading and evaluation 

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences uses these evaluative tools: examinations, hands-on simulation to demonstrate mastery of skills, self-assessment exercises, and faculty (classroom and experiential) reviews.

Our system of evaluation provides students and faculty with a comprehensive look at individual performance. Assistance is provided to keep students on track with learning goals and outcomes. Periodic reviews of student progress will occur by the Pharmacy Technician Program Director.

Graduation and certification

Upon successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician Program, students will receive a certificate of completion from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Students will also be prepared to take a national certification examination for pharmacy technicians immediately upon completion of the program. The program is designed to prepare students for certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Certification is a process by which nongovernmental agencies or associations grant recognition of competence to individuals who have met certain predetermined qualifications. Certification provides professional credentialing for pharmacy technicians and is required of all pharmacy technicians employed at Mayo Clinic upon hire or within one year of employment. 

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